The Italian forward, currently plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Nice after being deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield, has netted 12 times [in all competitions] this season and has been praised for his form.

And the 26-year-old has revealed that he could have joined Barcelona in his youth - but the Spanish giants were priced out of a move.

"I nearly joined Barcelona, but the team that had me wanted money," Balotelli told RMC.